Preliminary Plans in Place to Welcome Students Back

By Alexa Dunson, Communications Manager

The University of Texas Permian Basin is optimistic that we will be able to welcome studentsback to campus in August even though it will likely be different than last fall. The University iseager to have our students join us again; however, the transition will require thoughtfulness andflexibility.

“Our plans will be guided by medical and public health experts and in accordance with federal,state and local directives. We are committed to finding the right balance between our two mostimportant objectives; (1) the well-being of the Falcon family and our community; and (2)fulfilling our core mission by educating the next generation of leaders and inspiring creativityand learning,” said Dr. Sandra Woodley, UT Permian Basin President.

The University, admittedly, does not yet have all the answers in place because uncertaintycontinues to persist and will do so for the near future. However, we are confident we will find away forward. A task force made up of representatives from each area of the campus has beenworking hard to come up with a flexible plan, which will use blended options to includecampus-based experiences as well as high quality online and hybrid learning. Here are somepreliminary considerations:

Staggering class times and locations to promote social distancing

Staggering work schedules for staff, combined with some additional remote working

Ensuring frequent deep cleaning of facilities; including classrooms, labs, and

common spaces

New rules for housing and dining halls

New rules for athletics and campus events

“I am so proud of the students, faculty, and staff who have responded to this challenge. OurUniversity did not miss a beat this spring,” said Dr. Woodley. “There has been no disruption tothe high-quality academic services we offer at UT Permian Basin. Our summer classes willremain online with the same inspired teaching and learning.”

To “make it” in the Permian Basin, some might argue that it takes grit mixed with vision. If you need an example of what that looks like, get to know Concho Resources CEO and UT Permian Basin alumnus Tim Leach.